doing a tasting, but...

it occurs to me that I'm not so sure on how to do it. Was thinking of collecting a few bucks from the friends coming (about 9 or 10) and finding a few tasty bottles that we wouldn't normally see. Anybody have any suggestions on how to put em together?

Re: doing a tasting, but...

Originally Posted by Ruby K

Anybody have any suggestions on how to put em together?

Chuck does.

If you've been waiting for one more reason to get his book, this is it.

My tasting group doesn't charge, but I sometimes wonder if newbies would be less intimidated if we did. It perplexes me how many acquaintances will pay $35 to go to a professional tasting of standard, okay whiskey, but can't make it to a free sampling of unobtainium.

Re: doing a tasting, but...

First let me start this post by saying welcome back Ruby! I have been thinkin about you and your trip you were taking!

If your friends are bourbon drinkers you can do the bring your favorite bottle over tasting or your idea of a few bucks and grab a nice variety of bottles to sample!

I would also say pick one guy from the group to pour the 2 your comparing and let the rest of the group go into the tasting blind! Then switch the guy pouring for the next comparison. This way several people can go blind on the tasting... not in the literal sense unless you really start drinking!

Most of all have fun!

Once again welcome back!

Tony

"So long as the presence of death lurks with anyone who goes through the simple act of swallowing, I will make mine whiskey"

Re: doing a tasting, but...

The last tasting I attended, the host supplied the bottles but that's not always the case. I hosted a tasting and some bottles were supplied by those attending....there's really not right or wrong way. I would suggest a couple of things though.

1. If you serve food, serve protein based foods and nothing spicy
2. Only use spring water for cleansing the palate and cutting, if necessary
3. Avoid colognes or perfumes
4. Conduct the tasting in a well lit room
5. Try not to have too many bottles to sample - the taste buds will begin to deaden after a number of samples.

Besides Chuck's book, there are good references on the web for conducting a tasting. Good luck.

“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” - P.J. O’Rourke Greg's "bourbondork" blog